Work begins for 2 GW Borumba Dam pumped hydro project in Queensland

Queensland Hydro has started exploratory work and detailed site investigations for the 2 GW Borumba Dam pumped hydro project in Queensland, Australia.

Exploratory drilling to assess the site's geotechnical conditions, crucial for the environmental impact statement (EIS) process, has commenced. This AUD 14.2 billion (US$8.96 billion) initiative aims to deliver 2 GW of reliable power generation and approximately 48,000 MWh of large-scale storage to the National Electricity Market. Located at the 46,000 megaliter Borumba Dam near Gympie, this coordinated project facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of social, economic, and environmental aspects.

The plan involves constructing a new dam wall at Lake Borumba, increasing its storage capacity to 224,000 megaliters. Additionally, a higher-altitude dam will be built, connected to the lower reservoir via an underground power station. Water will be pumped to the upper dam during surplus renewable energy periods and low demand, later released to generate electricity during high-demand periods. The project aims for its initial power output by 2030.